We’re really excited to be a part of the sixth European Rural Parliament, taking place this year in Inverurie. Convening every two years, the ERP is a long-term campaign to lift the voices of rural people in Europe. This will be the first time that Scotland has hosted the parliament, bringing together folks from over 40 countries to explore community solutions to global challenges.  As part of the ERP, we’re hosting a study trip for delegates that will ask: what’s the role of art making in a rural town like Huntly? How can creativity be used to build communities, share knowledge, and enact transition? To explore these questions, we’ll be walking, talking, foraging, eating, listening and cooking together as we introduce delegates to Huntly, and our practices as an arts organisation here.  In the morning, we will be sharing work created through Margherita Soldati’s Mondriaan Fonds residency Good Gut!, with local grower Rosie Leagas from Wantonwells Farm and evolutionary ecologist Justin Stewart who will lead a walk through microbial time, exploring soil and its connections to our guts. In Square Deal, we’re going to be making soda bread with organic farmer and miller at Coldwells Organic Farm, Sarah Morbey, and hearing from Sinead Fortune, The Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Network coordinator, in a workshop inspired by our regular Food Chain events. Following lunch made by Rosie, we’ll be joined by Scottish Sculpture Workshop, Huntly Development Trust, and the Community Chartering Network for a discussion moderated by Aberdeenshire Council’s Eloise Grey, exploring the role of art making in rural communities.  At lunch, we'll be joined by delegates taking part in NESCAN's study trip, and are inviting Huntly's community members to join us too. If you'd like to come along or would like more info, please email Jess on jess@deveron-projects.com by Tuesday 21st October. Thank you to the European Rural Parliament and Scottish Rural Action for inviting us to take part.